As I am writing, my mom is having surgery to remove her uterus. She has cancer in her body and her uterus was one of the places it affected. The proper name for the type of cancer she has is called Endometrial Cancer. What is endometrial cancer? Endometrial cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining of the uterus called endometrium. The cause of this cancer happens when healthy cells go through a genetic mutation. Normally healthy cells grow, multiply and die at a set time but the mutated cells will grow and not die and eventually spread through the uterus. My mother has been sick for quite a few years, and as her second oldest son, there are times where it’s difficult to see her in pain. My mother is a woman I consider to be really strong because of all the pain she has dealt with over the years. Cancer is no joke, it claims the lives of 1500 people a day and about 547,500 people a year (estimated). If not treated cancer can spread and affect the entire body eventually shutting down all the organs within the body. The most common way to treat cancer is through a process called Chemotherapy. My mom had to drink radiation dye so the doctors could see the type of cancer she had. She had to go through a long waiting process because the only place where she could get special treatment for her surgery is at the UCSD Thornton Hospital in La Jolla. Thornton Hospital is a 119-bed general medical-surgical facility that offers a full range of services. Here she will be under the care of doctors who specialize in removing organs such as the uterus.

My mom

Seeing my mom suffer as long as she did, I couldn’t help but be fearful for her and nervous about the surgery. I am only human. I remember that she would have wanted me to be strong for her just as she has always been strong for me. Whatever Gods will is for her life, I pray that everything works out well for her. A scripture I like always helps me to worry less and just to put my trust in him.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

This scripture reminds me that no matter how big my problems may be, no matter how scared I get, God will be there to help me and strengthen me. I always feel that it’s good to believe that no matter what goes wrong I can look to God for answers. Every day I pray that my mom gets better and I’m so happy that she finally gets to have surgery to remove the one thing that’s been hurting her. I look at my brothers and I know that I can’t start getting discouraged or feeling down because I know to them I have to be an example. Even though at times I will get discouraged and dismayed, I have been especially today. I must always remember to trust God and know that things work for the greater good.

“Everything happens for a reason. Good or bad it all has a purpose.” I pray that when you read this, you will feel encouraged to stay strong in times of struggle. I don’t ask you to become a Christian because we all have different religious beliefs. I humbly ask that you listen to a man who tries to embody what it is to be strong in times when things go wrong.

Manuel, Mom, Jesus & I many years ago

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9